MARY U. OWENS

A service to celebrate her life will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at Brogden United Methodist Church with the Rev. Uiyeon Kim officiating. Burial will follow at Wayne Memorial Park. The family will receive friends this evening from 5 until 7 p.m. at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and at other times at the home of David Owens.

Born in St. Louis, Mo., she was the daughter of the late Pearl and Lena Weber Utterback and was the wife of the late Ralph E. Owens. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Weber.

A Veteran of World War II, Mrs. Owens served in the United States Army-Women's Army Air Corp. She was a graduate of Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.

Formerly of Gastonia, Mrs. Owens was employed for many years as an intake court counselor with the Gaston County Juvenile Court Division. Also in Gastonia, she was an active member of Armstrong Presbyterian Church and the Gastonia Pilot Club.

Upon her move to Wayne County, her devotion to her faith continued in her work at Brogden United Methodist Church where she was active in the Friendship Sunday School Class, the Administrative Council, the United Methodist Women, the XYPs, and the Craft Team. She was well known for her visits to shut-ins and those in nursing care. She continued to demonstrate her concern for youth in serving as Guardian Ad Litem for school children.

Mrs. Owens is survived by her son, David Trent Owens and wife, Debra, of Dudley; a granddaughter, Jennifer Owens Barnes and husband, John, of Dudley; a grandson, Jeremy Owens of Goldsboro; and three great-grandchildren, Isabella Barnes, Eloise Barnes and John Owens Barnes. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Norris Owens and a sister-in-law, Louise Jackson of Polk County and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family expresses appreciation to the staff of Sterling House and to Community Hospice for the compassion and care offered to Mary during her time of need.

Flowers are welcome or contributions can be made to the Humane Society, P.O. Box 821, Goldsboro, N.C. 27530 or Brogden United Methodist Church 2918 U.S. Hwy. 117 Alt. Dudley, N.C. 28333.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is serving the Owens family and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com.